The first recipient of an award honouring a slain journalist says the scholarship is an inspiration.

SAIT journalism student Ashley Kascak, 22, was the first to receive one of six $1,000 scholarships in the name of Amber Bowerman, who was killed one year ago in the Dalhousie multiple murder.

“It’s very bittersweet, kind of overwhelming and emotional. But I have never felt more honoured than when I received this award,” Kascak said.

Recipients of the award are to embody passion and dedication for their craft, and the young journalism student, who is going into her second year, hopes she can one day aspire to what Bowerman stood for:

Humanity through her writing.

“I feel spiritually connected to Amber. I never met her but I was fortunate to meet her family and get a feel for what an amazing person she was,” Kascak said.

“I think it’s good how they turned such a tragedy into a positive, because Amber would have wanted to help young journalists,” she added.